According to the new European Commission Work Programme, the
Energy Union is one of the 23 new
initiatives, which the EU executive commits to adopting in 2015. On 25 February
2015 the Commission adopted the Strategic Framework for the Energy Union. Our
Special Briefing will provide you with an overview of the latest developments
in the area of EU energy policy.

I. October 2014 European Council

EU leaders have agreed new climate and energy targets for
2030:

A binding EU target of at least 40%
domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990
levels;

An EU-wide binding target for renewable
energy of at least 27%;

An indicative energy efficiency
target of at least 27%.

II. European Commission 2015 Work Programme

In
Annex I the Commission proposes, among others, new initiatives in the area
of Energy policy:

·The Investment Plan for Europe

·Strategic Framework for the Energy Union

Annex
II – the Commission has confirmed the withdrawal of the pending EU laws on waste and recycling, known
as the Circular Economy package (it will table more ambitious and
comprehensive proposals)

Annex
III – the Commission will review, among others, the existing legislation on
energy labelling and eco-labelling of electrical appliances.

III. Latvian Presidency of the Council of the
European Union

The most
relevant priorities in the areas of EU energy and climate policy which the
Latvian Presidency will pursue are:

Work on a better integrated energy
infrastructure grid and improved governance, as well as exploiting regional
governance

Increase use of renewables and
implement energy efficiency

Improve Energy Labeling Directing
and the Eco-Design regulations

Support initiatives strengthening
radiation protection and nuclear safety at the international level

IV. March 2015 European Council

Energy topped the agenda of the European Council meeting. EU
leaders adopted conclusions on:

The
Energy Union strategy, aiming at security of energy supply rather than at an
energy transition;

The
Vice-President Šefčovič’s
proposal for more transparency on international energy agreements, pointing out
that only gas contracts should be covered;

Developing
innovative strategies for a new generation of renewable energies and
increase energy efficiency;